SUBJECTS

OUR SUBJECTS

Information on subjects studied in Years 7 and 8 is detailed on the following pages. Further information on the curriculum of each year group can be found on our website.

“The teachers here are really supportive, I feel safe in the classroom environment and many make an effort to include lots of important topics within lessons. I have been given lots of exciting opportunities to be part of theatre productions, sports teams and musical concerts.”

Amy, Year 10

ENGLISH

In English, pupils will foster an enjoyment of language and literature and develop a critical mind set in order to make inferences and deductions as they are reading. All pupils study a range of texts, including a Shakespeare play, pre-1914 fiction, non-fiction texts and contemporary literature. Pupils are able to develop their creative writing skills and there is a strong focus on improving technical accuracy in all lessons. There are opportunities for all pupils to participate in extracurricular activities to enrich their love of literature. At Cedars we aim to inspire a love of reading, and so pupils are encouraged to read in and out of lessons and through the tutor programme.

SCIENCE

The KS3 Science curriculum prepares pupils for GCSE and beyond. Pupils explore key ideas such as the effect of forces on an object’s motion or shape, the constantly changing atmosphere and the structure of the Earth. They discover the structures contained within cells, including genes, which determine the development and processes of entire organisms.

Our new Science block boasts state-of-the-art facilities to encourage scientific learning. Through enquiry-based learning, pupils have the opportunity to use practical skills to investigate scientific phenomena of the natural world. Pupils analyse and develop theories to understand the social, ethical and economic implications of science. Bringing a diverse range of experiences, pupils will build on the knowledge and skills embedded at primary school, developing a deeper and broader understanding of the world around us.

MATHS

Mathematics is a creative and highly inter-connected subject. It is essential to everyday life, critical to science, technology and engineering, and necessary for financial literacy and employment. Our aim is to teach for mastery in Mathematics, which embeds a deep, secure and adaptable understanding of mathematics to ensure pupils exhibit fluency, a growing confidence to reason mathematically and the ability to apply mathematics to problem solving. Becoming fluent in the fundamentals of mathematics involves varied and frequent practice with increasingly complex problems over time, so that pupils develop conceptual understanding and the ability to confidently recall.

HISTORY

In History, pupils build on their Key Stage 2 literacy skills and apply them to the history curriculum, as well as starting to develop specific history skills including chronology, cause and consequence, continuity and change, and source evaluation and interpretation. Year 7 pupils study the Medieval Era, starting in 1066 and the establishment of Norman rule in England. Pupils learn about two key areas; monarchy and society, to help them develop the skills needed to be expert historians. This helps them prepare for the rest of Key Stage 3 and eventually, the demands of the GCSE curriculum.

GEOGRAPHY

Pupils develop a good working knowledge of the world’s key geographical features found across different locations and within places. They also develop their existing understanding of the conditions, processes and interactions that explain geographical features, their distribution patterns, and changes that are seen in these patterns over time and space.

This subject needs and creates competence in geographical enquiry, and the application of skills in observing, collecting, analysing, evaluating and communicating geographical information. All pupils focus on themes which develop the knowledge, understanding and skills relating to these aspects of geography, allowing them to succeed at Key Stage 3 and eventually progression at GCSE level.

RELIGION, ETHICS AND PHILOSOPHY

The Religion Ethics and Philosophy (REP) programme of study aims to encourage pupils to study critically in depth about the driving principles behind our British values. This includes the benefits and challenges of diversity by exploring variety of religions, beliefs and traditions, which are different to their own, while at the same time exploring their own sense of identity more deeply. REP equips pupils with the knowledge, critical thinking skills and informed and balanced opinions to thrive in 21st century Britain as global citizens.

FRENCH

In Year 7 all pupils learn French and develop key language and communication skills, building on any previous knowledge. Pupils cover a range of topics and develop competencies across the 4 skills areas: Listening, Speaking, Reading and Writing; whilst also improving their knowledge of vocabulary and grammar. Pupils are introduced to key strategies to tackle unknown vocabulary and begin to produce extended written pieces. In addition, they learn to communicate competently in speech across familiar topics. They also become familiar with key aspects of life in France and other francophone countries. In Year 9, pupils can take up Spanish too, after which they can pursue one or both languages at GCSE level in Key Stage 4.

COMPUTER SCIENCE

At Key Stage 3 the Computing curriculum has been designed to build upon skills, knowledge and understanding that would have been developed at primary school. The topics pupils learn are mapped against the following six key competencies: Algorithms, Programming and Development, Data and Data Representation, Hardware and Processing, Communications and Networks, and Information Technology. The Key Stage 3 curriculum introduces the core concepts that will be taught at Key Stage 4 if the pupils opt to take OCR Computer Science GCSE or Cambridge Nationals Information Technology.

PHYSICAL EDUCATION

Physical Education allows pupils to engage in a challenging and enjoyable environment. Throughout the learning journey in PE, pupils experience activities focusing on fundamental motor skills such as running, throwing, catching, hitting and kicking, alongside tailoring skills to more traditional sports, with activities including football, netball, handball and gymnastics.

Pupils encounter a number of themes both in lessons and in our extracurricular opportunities, including high levels of physical activity, competition and challenge, as well as the development of skills and personal qualities, which incorporate the 4Rs and leadership opportunities. Pupils will also have the opportunity to meet elite athletes and go on trips including the UK Basketball Finals, Wimbledon and Leicester Tigers rugby matches.

In Music the emphasis is on practical music making for all pupils. All pupils in Year 7 have a lesson of music per week, focusing on group performance work, as well as developing keyboard skills and exploring a range of musical instruments and genres. At KS3 we operate a ‘have a go’ policy encouraging pupils to explore a broad range of experiences to discover what enthuses them. The music curriculum focuses on the key areas of Performing, Composing and Listening/Appraising. Across all topics the range of activities may include: composing and performing music using keyboards/tuned percussion; whole class ensemble playing; performing and composing in small groups using keyboards, percussion, guitars and voice; listening work; using music technology such as Logic, Garageband and DJ equipment. Pupils have the opportunity to access a wide variety of materials to create an exciting selection of artworks. They develop drawing and painting skills, investigating the use of tone and colour. Projects are vibrant and varied and are designed to have an element of flexibility for pupils to explore and create their own, imaginative responses. Pupils will gain an understanding of a variety of artists work and will be encouraged to show their artist knowledge and inspiration within the work they create.

Projects are skills based so that pupils can learn and build on their knowledge. The emphasis is on trying and testing materials and techniques and becoming more confident with drawing.

MUSIC

ART

DRAMA

Drama offers pupils the opportunity to explore and create both scripted and devised performance material. They explore different styles and genres of acting and how to collaborate effectively with others. They also explore topical issues and develop problem solving skills. Drama is a creative art form and the subject promotes pupils creative, performance and social skills. In Year 7 we initially focus on key physical and vocal acting skills and then use this platform to explore performance material and craft further. We study a set play as well as Shakespeare and characterisation. Pupils are given regular performance opportunities where their contribution as a performer and audience are assessed. Drama encourages pupils to interact sensitively and to regularly evaluate their progress.

RESISTANT MATERIALS

From beautiful furniture to the smallest gadgets, our world is full of products. Pupils learn about the role that designers have in our world. They study the work of current prevalent designers as well as explore their creative process through design and make activities. Pupils have the chance to work with a variety of tools and equipment, develop good technique and importantly learn about health and safety in the workshop environment. Product design will challenge them to think about others, but be independent. These lessons help pupils problem solve and develop life skills.

FOOD TECHNOLOGY

Food Technology enables pupils to develop skills in both technique and taste. Our pupils explore a number of recipes that allow them to try food from different cultures as well as new flavours. Pupils have their lessons in our new Food Technology rooms with the latest equipment and a great learning environment. Food Technology also challenges pupils to be safe; we place emphasis on good health and hygiene in the kitchen. In class, pupils can work independently on cooking food to bring home - but there is always a strong team effort, with the pupils helping each other and clearing down. Within each new dish the pupils add a new skill and knowledge of nutrition. This, we believe, is a life skill and a great foundation for healthy living.